I have a question regarding the duration of spells. Using the spell shield as an example, It states that the duration is 1 minute per level.
I feel like this is likely supposed to mean 1 minute per spell level, but then I figured that supernatural abilities that use this sort of duration would be 0 rounds because they may not be tied to a level, but instead a race or some other aspect of the character. I suspect it means its not caster level, but total level.
Anyways... if I am a level 1 sorcerer, and a level 1 fighter, does shield last for one minute, or two? If you could direct me to the specific rules regarding this, that would be great, because I have not been able to find any clarification in the book, or online.
Thank you in advance for your input.
So the spell "Shield" right? It's your caster level. Somewhere it says that all spells go off of that classes caster level. Actually, all class abilities go off the class you got them in if it says level. I think it only means character level if it says character level in a class description.
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I have a question regarding the duration of spells. Using the spell shield as an example, It states that the duration is 1 minute per level.
I feel like this is likely supposed to mean 1 minute per spell level, but then I figured that supernatural abilities that use this sort of duration would be 0 rounds because they may not be tied to a level, but instead a race or some other aspect of the character. I suspect it means its not caster level, but total level.
Anyways... if I am a level 1 sorcerer, and a level 1 fighter, does shield last for one minute, or two? If you could direct me to the specific rules regarding this, that would be great, because I have not been able to find any clarification in the book, or online.
Thank you in advance for your input.
It means 'per level in the class granting you the spell or ability' so, in your example you are 1 1st level sorcerer casting the spell so it will last for 1 minute.
Caster Level
A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spellcasting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.
You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
In the event that a class feature or other special ability provides an adjustment to your caster level, that adjustment applies not only to effects based on caster level (such as range, duration, and damage dealt), but also to your caster level check to overcome your target's spell resistance and to the caster level used in dispel checks (both the dispel check and the DC of the check).
I have a question regarding the duration of spells. Using the spell shield as an example, It states that the duration is 1 minute per level.
I feel like this is likely supposed to mean 1 minute per spell level, but then I figured that supernatural abilities that use this sort of duration would be 0 rounds because they may not be tied to a level, but instead a race or some other aspect of the character. I suspect it means its not caster level, but total level.
Anyways... if I am a level 1 sorcerer, and a level 1 fighter, does shield last for one minute, or two? If you could direct me to the specific rules regarding this, that would be great, because I have not been able to find any clarification in the book, or online.
Thank you in advance for your input.
It means 'per level in the class granting you the spell or ability' so, in your example you are 1 1st level sorcerer casting the spell so it will last for 1 minute.
Caster Level
A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spellcasting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
In the event that a class feature or other special ability provides an adjustment to your caster level, that adjustment applies not only to effects based on caster level (such as range, duration, and damage dealt), but also to your caster level check to overcome your target's spell resistance and to the caster level used in dispel checks (both the dispel check and the DC of the check).
The exerpt you brought up, does elude to the concept that duration is effected by caster level, and not total level. However, I cannot find the direct rule that states this. The exerpt specifically discusses if a class ability advances your caster level it will also advance the spells duration (and other effects too).
I want something that is just utterly cut and dry... if possible.
Can you find rules that say otherwise? Basically everything is designed with staying in one class.
Can you find rules that say otherwise? Basically everything is designed with staying in one class.
Following the most strict RAW, it states as part of the spell...
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Not... Duration 1 min/caster level (D)
By following that description, I would be using all my levels, not just my caster levels.
Caster Level
A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spellcasting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.
You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
emphasis mine, duration is a feature depending on level and that means caster level.
For your sorc 1/wiz 1, the duration of shield will be 1 minute no matter which class you use to cast the spell.
Why would you use all your levels? Where does it say character level? You are either a lv 3 sorc, lv 3 fighter or a lv 6 fighter. Character level is just an abstraction combining these. You have received your answer. By other posters especially. If you want something more than that find it yourself.
Caster Level
A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spellcasting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.
You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
emphasis mine, duration is a feature depending on level and that means caster level.
For your sorc 1/wiz 1, the duration of shield will be 1 minute no matter which class you use to cast the spell.
Okay. Though this isn't as clear as I would like it, but I can accept this as an answer. Like... i wish it was phrased as below. I feel it is stronger to front load that sort of information. I feel that it is sublimated by the suggestion of the lower level caster level.
"All level dependent features of a spell must be based on the caster level at which you have chosen to cast the spell. You may not choose a caster level higher than your capability, but may choose to cast at a lower caster level."
Thank you.
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Following the most strict RAW, it states as part of the spell...
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Not... Duration 1 min/caster level (D)
By following that description, I would be using all my levels, not just my caster levels.
DonDuckie already won the thread, however I'd just like to point out that by that logic, one could ALSO argue that shield lasts only one minute, on the basis of 1 min./level isn't Character level OR Caster Level but SPELL level ;)
Which it obviously isn't.. since as pointed out spell casting all revolves around caster level.
Following the most strict RAW, it states as part of the spell...
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Not... Duration 1 min/caster level (D)
By following that description, I would be using all my levels, not just my caster levels.
DonDuckie already won the thread, however I'd just like to point out that by that logic, one could ALSO argue that shield lasts only one minute, on the basis of 1 min./level isn't Character level OR Caster Level but SPELL level ;)
Which it obviously isn't.. since as pointed out spell casting all revolves around caster level.
Well... win a thread? I dont know. I'm trying to find an answer, so really... only I can win the thread by getting the answer.
Anyways I edited it after reconsidering my response. I jumped the gun a bit with that response.
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This one was already pointed out.
A spell's power often depends on its caster level, which for most spellcasting characters is equal to her class level in the class she's using to cast the spell.
It is repeated:
APG entryAs you can see, caster level is very explicitly defined, and repeated in multiple places. It is based on the class level in the class being used to cast the spell.